Hindustan Times (Delhi)

4 killed in Israel truck attack

- Agence FrancePres­se letters@hindustant­imes.com

CADETS TARGETED Palestinia­n rams lorry, Netanyahu says he supported IS

JERUSALEM: A Palestinia­n rammed a truck into a group of Israeli soldiers visiting a popular tourist spot in Jerusalem on Sunday, killing four and wounding at least 15 people, authoritie­s said.

The driver was also killed at the location overlookin­g holy sites in the Old City such as the Dome of the Rock and providing one of the most spectacula­r views of Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged the attacker “supported” the Islamic State group, though he provided no details on what led to the finding.

Chaos broke out at the scene when the truck ploughed through the crowd, with hundreds of soldiers having arrived there as part of a tour for troops about the his- tory of Jerusalem.

“A lone terrorist drove his truck into a group of soldiers standing on the side of the road,” police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told reporters. “They got off the bus, and as they were getting off the bus and getting organised, he took advantage.”

Israel’s military said one of its soldiers fired on the attacker and distribute­d video of him saying he shot after realising it was not an accident.

Multiple bullet holes could be seen in the windshield of the truck.

Police only confirmed four people were dead, but a medic at the scene said they were soldiers.

Medics also reported that three of the victims were women, while all four were in their 20s.

Video said to be of the incident being shared online shows a flatbed truck with a crane in the rear drive through a group of soldiers standing next to a bus.

The driver then pulls off to the side and tries to reverse back towards where the soldiers were hit before the truck eventually comes to a stop.

Ambulances rushed to the location and video showed visitors, including soldiers, running for cover as the incident began. Bodies were later covered in sheets.

Netanyahu later visited the scene along with Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

“We know the identity of the assailant, who according to all indication­s supported IS,” Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office.

 ?? AFP ?? Israeli soldiers huddle near the site of a vehicleram­ming attack in Jerusalem on Sunday.
AFP Israeli soldiers huddle near the site of a vehicleram­ming attack in Jerusalem on Sunday.

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